Real Madrid and Barcelona have received encouraging reports about Mexican teen prodigy Gilberto Mora, although both clubs have indicated to ESPN that it’s too early to initiate a potential signing.
Barcelona has been tracking the Tijuana attacking midfielder’s development for some time. A source shared with ESPN that Mora possesses “strong potential and intriguing attributes.” However, they also noted that “at just 16, Mora may still require some time to mature” before determining if he can thrive at a top-tier club.
Real Madrid holds a similar view, with a source stating it remains uncertain if Mora “will evolve into a top player” capable of fitting into their setup at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Joao Amaral, right-hand man to Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, traveled to Chile to observe the talented midfielder during the Under-20 World Cup, among other players being scouted.
“We’ve heard very promising reports about him,” the source remarked, adding, “He’s just starting to gain media attention, and discussions about him are growing. He’s a highly skilled midfielder with great potential, but it’s premature to set his ultimate trajectory.”
Barcelona expressed no surprise at Mora’s strong showing during the U20 World Cup, where he netted three goals and provided two assists before Mexico was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Argentina.
Madrid has also taken notice of Mora, with several club representatives considering him the standout talent of the 2008 generation.
Turning 17 on Tuesday, Mora cannot be transferred to a European club until he reaches 18, but Madrid is no stranger to securing young talents.
Los Blancos previously arranged to sign Vinícius Júnior and Endrick while they were underage, loaning them to Flamengo and Palmeiras, respectively, until they turned 18 and could join the club.
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Insiders inform ESPN that Mora’s playing position and the significance of the Mexican market for Madrid are two factors that enhance his appeal to the club.
With the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Madrid has been actively scouting creative players to bolster their squad in the future.
The club perceives the Mexican market as strategic and believes that acquiring a Mexican player would further solidify their presence in a region where they already enjoy a substantial fan base.
Information from ESPN’s Adriana Garcia contributed to this report.